Streptococcus: Is one of the two medically important

Streptococcus is one of the two medically important genera of gram-positive cocci, the other being Staphylococcus. Streptococci are identified as different species on blood agar on the basis of their hemolytic pattern and sensitivity to optochin and bacitracin. There are many pathogenic species of streptococci, including S. pyogenes, S. agalactiae, S. pneumoniae, and the viridans streptococci (e.g., S. mutans, S. mitis, and S. sanguinis). Streptococcal infections cause a wide array of ... Streptococcal infections are caused by the group of bacteria Streptococcus – a broad group that can cause many different infections, ranging in severity from mild illnesses to very serious, life-threatening infections like pneumonia. Streptococcus Streptococcus is a gram-positive coccus that, under the microscope, occurs in chains. There are various varieties—hemolytic and nonhemolytic—and some produce powerful toxins (Brooker 2008). Some species of Streptococcus are commensals and occur (without any ill effect) in the respiratory and intestinal tracts. However, some species are pathogenic and can cause serious illnesses. Necrotizing fasciitis (flesh-eating bacteria) is caused by Streptococcus pyogenes (Brooker 2008 ... There are several kinds of streptococci bacteria, causing problems ranging from a sore throat to life-threatening infections of the blood or organs. Learn how they vary and how to prevent them.